Wrenching
It has recently come to my attention that not every rider has his own factory mechanic and suspension expert available at every ride. So I asked Pro Circuit's suspension guru Jim "Bones" Bacon for a few basic checks every rider can easily do by himself to get the best performance out of their bike's suspension.
For info on Pro Circuit's suspension components and services, check out www.procircuit.com.
01 The sag is not likely to change, but still it's good to check it once in a while, and every time work or adjustments are done to the front or rear ends. "Our bikes come apart every week when we clean and inspect everything, so for a little peace of mind we check and make sure the guys haven't eaten too many cheeseburgers and gained five or six pounds. Sag is pretty critical for the balance of the bike."
02 Keep the chain adjusted to the tight side of your owner's manual's specifications. "Checking the chain tension is pretty critical because if the chain's too loose, you take a chance on spitting the chain, so the mechanics always lean on having it a little on the tight side," but not too tight, Bones cautions, "which can bind up the suspension and be hard on the transmission and bearings."
03 "I don't like [the steering stem] too loose." Bones holds the grip about six inches away from full lock and lets go. There should be enough tension on the steering stem that the bar does not fall to lock position on its own weight. Your loosest setting should still take a tap to make it fall. The steering may feel a little stiff, but "once the rider gets used to it, they can relax a little more."
04 "Air pressure in the fork typically shouldn't be something you need to worry about unless you're going to a track that's a little higher or lower in elevation. Then you can crack the air screw. But don't [bleed the fork] right when you come off the track because the fork will be a little warm, and when it cools off you'll have put a little vacuum in it."